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A review by lolaslalaland
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In this urban fantasy set in Camorr, a city much like Venice, we follow a group called the Gentleman Bastards. They set up cons with elaborate disguises, slight of hand, practiced mannerisms and accents, and many other skills a thief develops. But now the Grey King wants something from them, and that can only mean trouble.
First, I want to talk about the setting of this book and its politics. Camorr is a city set on water, and apparently existed before the humans came. This part I thought was super interesting, and I'm not even upset that I didn't get more background on it because clearly this first book was not about that. Also, I'm sure there will be more on this in the next two books (if I'm not mistaken there are 3 books total... let me know if I'm wrong please.) Because of this strange history, I imagined Camorr almost alien-esque with human structures added around.
As for the politics, it really made me think of like 60s street gangs mixed with medieval monarchy. There is a ruling Duke who we never really meet, instead, we spend time in the slums where the "mafia" rule.
Also, the popular religion of Camorr was really awesome. Especially how it seems to guide people's lifestyles, such as our Gentleman Bastards. They are not thieves to survive, or to take from the rich and enact justice, they are thieves because that is their religion.
Now, about our characters: our main protagonist is Locke, who like the other Gentleman Bastards was an orphan brought into the care and teachings of this 13th god, Benefactor of thieves and misfits. Each of the Gentleman Bastards has their own skills that makes them vital to the team, and they are all just an absolute joy to read about. I love good dialogue, and this book was chock full of wonderful dialogue! And it amplified their kinship and team dynamic.
I would not say this book is about character development, but rather turning a con into a revenge plot. Outsmarting the enemy and unmasking culprits we did not expect.
The pacing of this story worked exquisitely especially with how the stakes grew higher and higher and secrets were unveiled as we read. I couldn't put this book down, but I will say some trigger warnings for strong language, torture, gore, and violence.
And my final praise is for the prose. It just added to the plot and overall ambiance of conniving, thieving and deception with its vocabulary and tone.
So, conclusion, this book was fucking awesome and I want to read the next ones!
First, I want to talk about the setting of this book and its politics. Camorr is a city set on water, and apparently existed before the humans came. This part I thought was super interesting, and I'm not even upset that I didn't get more background on it because clearly this first book was not about that. Also, I'm sure there will be more on this in the next two books (if I'm not mistaken there are 3 books total... let me know if I'm wrong please.) Because of this strange history, I imagined Camorr almost alien-esque with human structures added around.
As for the politics, it really made me think of like 60s street gangs mixed with medieval monarchy. There is a ruling Duke who we never really meet, instead, we spend time in the slums where the "mafia" rule.
Also, the popular religion of Camorr was really awesome. Especially how it seems to guide people's lifestyles, such as our Gentleman Bastards. They are not thieves to survive, or to take from the rich and enact justice, they are thieves because that is their religion.
Now, about our characters: our main protagonist is Locke, who like the other Gentleman Bastards was an orphan brought into the care and teachings of this 13th god, Benefactor of thieves and misfits. Each of the Gentleman Bastards has their own skills that makes them vital to the team, and they are all just an absolute joy to read about. I love good dialogue, and this book was chock full of wonderful dialogue! And it amplified their kinship and team dynamic.
I would not say this book is about character development, but rather turning a con into a revenge plot. Outsmarting the enemy and unmasking culprits we did not expect.
The pacing of this story worked exquisitely especially with how the stakes grew higher and higher and secrets were unveiled as we read. I couldn't put this book down, but I will say some trigger warnings for strong language, torture, gore, and violence.
And my final praise is for the prose. It just added to the plot and overall ambiance of conniving, thieving and deception with its vocabulary and tone.
So, conclusion, this book was fucking awesome and I want to read the next ones!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence, and Torture
Minor: Murder